Objective

To describe factors and provider characteristics associated with weight-related counseling practices among U.S. obstetrician-gynecologists (OB/GYNs).

Methods

Data were from a 2010 cross-sectional survey of 250 OB/GYNs. The OB/GYNs were asked how often they used pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) to determine the appropriate range of gestational weight gain (GWG), counseled pregnant patients on appropriate rate of GWG, and counseled postpartum patients on weight loss or maintenance. They were also asked how often they counseled pregnant and postpartum patients on five weight-related behaviors [consumption of Fruits and Vegetables (FV), Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSB), or high-fat or sugary foods, breastfeeding, and Physical Activity (PA)].

Results

Less than half of providers reported “always” using BMI to determine appropriate GWG (42%); however 65% reported “always” counseling about appropriate GWG rate. About one-third of providers reported counseling about postpartum weight loss or maintenance (38%).Providers reported counseling pregnant and postpartum patients on all weight-related behaviors only 58% and 27% of the time, respectively. Providers with normal BMI had a greater odds of counseling pregnant patients on FV consumption (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 3.2; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.5-7.0) and postpartum patients on FV (aOR: 1.9; 95% CI: 1.1-3.6) compared to overweight/obese providers. Providers who exercised regularly had a greater odds of counseling pregnant and postpartum patients on SSB (aOR: 2.2; 95% CI: 1.1-4.8, and aOR: 2.6; 95% CI: 1.4-4.9, respectively) compared to those providers not exercising regularly. Providers who used podcasts for continuing medical education(CME) had a greater odds of providing counseling on several behaviors, including postpartum patients on FV consumption (aOR: 3.1; 95% CI: 1.3-7.2).

Conclusions

Improvements can be made in weight-related counseling practices of OB/GYNs for both pregnant and postpartum patients. Strategies to improve counseling practices, such as podcasts for CME, could be investigated further.